Fargo Lego Store Owner’s Past Conviction Sparks Concern
FARGO (trfnews.i234.me) – Community members are raising concerns after it was revealed that the new owner of a Lego store in Fargo previously pleaded guilty in a human trafficking sting.
Eight years ago, Dan Durr, former owner of Don’s Car Wash, was among eight men arrested in the 2017 Guardian Angel Human Trafficking Operation. Court records show Durr initially faced a felony charge of patronizing a minor for commercial sex. He later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of hiring an individual for sexual activity.
Now, with Durr running a business that primarily caters to children, some Fargo residents say families deserve to know about his past. “Any family, especially if they have kids, has a right to know what kind of store they’re entering, what type of background the management has,” said Frank, a local resident.
Another resident, Tom, told TRF News, “I told my parents this morning, and they were not having it. They were disgusted.”
Durr was not present when TRF News visited his store, but employees provided his contact number. He later returned the call and criticized previous coverage. “Last time, a month ago, you guys ran a story and posted my mug shot and completely lied about it. You guys ran a story that I was convicted of child pornography and sex trafficking. My business partner wants to sue you guys. That was completely untrue,” Durr said.
Frank expressed further concern about the store’s clientele: “Not saying anything would happen because of Dan’s previous record, but the chances are obviously higher versus someone without that kind of criminal background.”
The case has sparked debate in Fargo over transparency, public awareness, and how past convictions should be weighed when business owners serve a primarily youth-based market. For more information on human trafficking awareness, visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
